Automatic Wheel Balancers

Supurban · October 7, 2004

I was investigating Centramatic automatic wheel balancers. It is quite compelling information. But I have never actually seen these things or know anyone who has. Was wondering if anybody tried these and what their thoughts are.

These devices will easily fit on most rear factory wheels of the 1500s/2500s. But even Centramatic admitted that they do not have a version that will fit under the factory wheels (2004 16" alloy) in the front. This is because the brake caliper to wheel clearance is very tight. They did indicate that they are working on a design that will eventually be able to fit (double crimp or some compound shape I suppose).

One drawback for the bling crowd is that the plate is very much visible under big rims.

carguru · October 7, 2004

Here are a couple of alternatives

Equal

Ride-On

I know that the Equal stuff works very well.

Supurban · October 7, 2004

One problem with Equal, etc. is that it will interfere with the automatic tire pressure sensors.

SlamminL5s · October 16, 2004

i dont think i would bother with that....

vhato · October 17, 2004

I had used Equal before. My experince was BAD. I am sure the Equal would have worked as designed but the store that installed my tires and Equal did not understand how to install the Equal. Their mistake was they did not have a moisture filter on their air hose so as soon as they aired up my tires the moisture clinged to the Equal and it began to clump. So from day one for about 3 months I had HORRIBLE ride at ALL SPEEDS. I contacted Equal and they were very helpful and even sent 20 free ounces until the area rep determined the installer screwed up. By that time I had enough and opted for a plain jane wheel balance.

I added the Centramatics and was happy with the results. Total rear wheel balance all the time. Only 2 drawbacks:

1. May be visible (as you said)

2. Sound like bad bearing races at low speeds. Take a bag of B-B's and drop them on a steel pan and that is what you hear and it is VERY audible to everyone as your ride past. It is BARELY noticeable inside the cab though.

If REAR balance is your problem, then Centramatics is the answer.

Supurban · October 17, 2004

Hola vhato,

Thanks for the real world info. I am still interested in checking these out down the line when the front versions are available. Do you have any pics of the install on your truck?

Also, what is the bead track made out of? Is it aluminum (like the rest of the disk) or plastic?

vhato · October 17, 2004

Hola vhato,
Thanks for the real world info. I am still interested in checking these out down the line when the front versions are available. Do you have any pics of the install on your truck?

Also, what is the bead track made out of? Is it aluminum (like the rest of the disk) or plastic?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have no pics, but they were a breeze. Remove the wheel, slide on the Centramatic, reinstall wheel.

As far as construction goes hmmmm. It looked like aluminum, but felt like plastic to me. Kinda hard for me to tell. I would say plastic, but I may be wrong.

I wouldn't hold my breath on the front version. Centramatic is a small successful company. They can't afford to produce a product they can't sell in bulk. GM's Minimum stock wheel size is 16" which creates a HUGE clearance problem on the front. I can't see a Centramatic Balancer until maybe 2 years after GM sells Factory trucks with a minimum of 17" wheels. Not enough aftermarket wheels are sold to justify cost. If Centramatic could invest in an aggressive marketing campaign putting these devices in the hands of tire/wheel dealers I think they would find more than enough demand. Not enough people know about these.

SlamminL5s · October 17, 2004

I had used Equal before. My experince was BAD. I am sure the Equal would have worked as designed but the store that installed my tires and Equal did not understand how to install the Equal. Their mistake was they did not have a moisture filter on their air hose so as soon as they aired up my tires the moisture clinged to the Equal and it began to clump. So from day one for about 3 months I had HORRIBLE ride at ALL SPEEDS. I contacted Equal and they were very helpful and even sent 20 free ounces until the area rep determined the installer screwed up. By that time I had enough and opted for a plain jane wheel balance.

I added the Centramatics and was happy with the results. Total rear wheel balance all the time. Only 2 drawbacks:

1. May be visible (as you said)

2. Sound like bad bearing races at low speeds. Take a bag of B-B's and drop them on a steel pan and that is what you hear and it is VERY audible to everyone as your ride past. It is BARELY noticeable inside the cab though.

If REAR balance is your problem, then Centramatics is the answer.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that is not cool at all!!!

willscary · October 18, 2004

When I go to the website, it shows the "300" series being sold 4 to a set and the last option is an 8 bolt 6-1/2" pattern. Wouldn't these fit both the front and rears?